The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nigeria

As of December 31, 2015, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported 142,033 members in 33 stakes, 19 districts, 454 congregations, five missions, and one temple in Nigeria.[1][2]

History

In the 1950s and '60s several thousand native Nigerians became interested in joining the LDS Church, despite the Church having no formal presence in the country. An effort was made to send missionaries and establish a formal presence. However, after the Nigerian government became aware of the church policy of excluding Africans from participating in the priesthood, they made it difficult for the missionaries to obtain visas.[3] Plans to send missionaries were postponed indefinitely.

The Church was officially established in Nigeria in 1978 after the change in priesthood policy. The first stake was organized in 1988 with David Eka as president. In 2005, the Church dedicated the Aba Nigeria Temple.

A brief history can be found at LDS Newsroom (Nigeria) or Deseret News 2010 Church Almanac (Country Information: Nigeria)

Membership History

Year Membership[4]
1983 2,255a
1985 5,500b
1989 12,000b
1995 28,000b
1999 42,746c
2004 68,777c
2009 88,374a
2012 103,898a
2015 142,033c

Missions

Aba Nigeria Temple

Main article: Aba Nigeria Temple

On August 7, 2005 the Aba Nigeria Temple was dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley.

121. Aba Nigeria

Location:
Announcement:
Dedication:
Coordinates:
 Size:
Style:

Aba, Abia, Nigeria
2 April 2000
7 August 2005 by Gordon B. Hinckley
5°8′51.51839″N 7°21′24.1884″E / 5.1476439972°N 7.356719000°E / 5.1476439972; 7.356719000 (Aba Nigeria Temple)
11,500 sq ft (1,070 m2) on a 6.3 acre (2.5 ha) site
Classic modern, single-spire design - designed by Adeniyi Coker Consultants Limited

See also

References

  1. "Facts and Statistics: Statistics by Country: Nigeria", Newsroom, LDS Church, 31 December 2013, retrieved 2014-05-12
  2. "Country information: Nigeria", Church News 2013 Church Almanac, Deseret News
  3. Prince, Gregory. David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. p. 87.
  4. "Country information: Nigeria", Deseret News Church Almanac (multiple almanacs from various years), Deseret News
  5. New mission presidents by area for 2013

External links

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